Real Weddings Mini-Moon: Sunset Cove Villas

A jewel of the southern California coastline, Laguna Beach’s white sands, rolling surf, artist colonies and eclectic restaurants draw travelers from around the world. What’s more, this bohemian locale is just enough off the beaten path to seem almost like a mirage — its beauty and singular flavor hidden within lush canyons like the Shangri-la of legend.

And for a romantic getaway par excellence, Laguna’s Sunset Cove Villas offer visitors the chance to let go and drink it in — all within the comfort of a luxurious beachfront “home” with sweeping ocean views and private access to Sleepy Hollow Beach.

Recommended Stay: Sunset Cove Villas. Located in the heart of downtown Laguna, yet offering complete privacy and secured entry, guests can choose from eight distinct villas that feature one, two and three bedroom accommodations.

Interiors include an entertainment center as well as a fully equipped kitchen with premium appliance and accoutrements, so that never having to set foot outside is actually a viable option (if that’s the sort of honeymoon or getaway that you’re aiming for). All linens and bedding are provided, including spa bath amenities to use in each villa’s spacious showers and Jacuzzi-style bathtub.

Check Out: Planning on renewing your vows? Seven-Degrees is a tour de force event planning and reception venue that also features year-round art exhibitions. The 25,000 square-foot property, a recipient of the Architecture Guild Award, offers a blank canvas upon which couples can craft an original wedding experience.

The entire facility is equipped with the most technologically advanced sound, video and lighting. In lieu of event packages, clients are offered a fully-customized experience. The Seven-Degrees in-house production team (which includes renowned Executive Chef Robert Villaneuva) has mastered the art of bringing each client’s vision to life. In one instance, the client’s vision included live elephants parading through the venue’s outdoor areas.

Don’t Miss: The Laguna Beach arts scene. The Laguna Art Museum is a premier destination for viewing California works dating from the 19th century to the present day. The Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art brings contemporary work of the highest quality to downtown Laguna Beach from emerging to mid-career to internationally recognized artists.

And of course, there are the art festivals that put Laguna on the map. Every summer, Sawdust, Art-A-Fair and Festival of Arts draw visitors from around the world. These festivals feature a dynamic array of work by both local and international artists, and a season pass to visit all three festivals is just $21.50!

Also during the summer, Pageant of the Masters affords visitors the chance to watch classical and contemporary works of art come to life, with actual performers posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces.